Donald Trump’s presidency has been nothing short of controversial and polarizing, sparking intense debate among Americans and global citizens alike.
As the 45th President of the United States, Trump introduced a range of policies and initiatives that garnered both praise and criticism.
On one hand, his supporters applaud his economic policies and moves, which they believe stimulated economic growth and job creation. However, critics argue that his approach to governance was divisive and lacked empathy.
This article discusses the pros and cons of Trump’s presidency and his impact on various aspects of American society and policy-making. Continue reading to the end to learn more.
Pros Of Trump
As the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump’s tenure was marked by several positive aspects. Some of the things his supporters liked about him include:
1. Management skills
Donald Trump’s management skills were one of the key strengths of his presidency. He brought his experience and expertise to the White House as a successful businessman.
Trump prioritized the interests of American workers and businesses by renegotiating trade deals such as NAFTA to ensure more favorable terms for the United States.
2. The unemployment rate was low during his tenure.
During Donald Trump’s tenure, the unemployment rate reached historically low levels. Under his administration, the economy experienced significant growth, increasing American job opportunities.
Trump’s policies focused on reducing regulations and promoting business growth. For instance, he signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act into law to stimulate economic growth by reducing corporate tax rates and providing tax relief for individuals.
3. Confident and powerful personality
He presented himself as a strong leader willing to make tough decisions for the country’s benefit.
This confidence resonated with many supporters who appreciated his straightforward and assertive approach.
Trump’s personality also played a role in international relations, as he was not afraid to take a tough stance on issues such as trade imbalances or national security.
His confident demeanor helped shape his presidency and garnered support from those who valued a strong leader.
4. He’s straightforward.
Whether you liked what he said or not, his message was clear, and there was little room for ambiguity. Trump did not shy away from expressing his opinions or making bold statements.
He often used Twitter to communicate directly with the American people. While his communication style may have been controversial at times, it allowed him to connect directly with his audience and maintain a strong presence in the public discourse.
5. A man of his words
Throughout his campaign, he made several promises to the American people and has taken steps to fulfill them. One example is his promise to build a wall along the United States’ southern border.
He promised to address the issue of illegal immigration and deport those who have entered the country unlawfully, which he did. Additionally, Trump dismantled Obamacare as promised.
6. Criminal justice reforms
He recognized the need for reform in the criminal justice system and took steps to address it. In 2018, he signed the First Step Act into law to reduce recidivism and improve prison conditions.
The act included provisions such as expanding rehabilitative programs, increasing early release opportunities for nonviolent offenders, and reforming sentencing laws.
7. Appointed the conservative judges
Trump significantly impacted the judicial system by appointing conservative judges to federal courts.
He has appointed over 200 judges, including three Supreme Court justices, who align with conservative ideologies.
These appointments have shifted the balance of the courts towards a more conservative perspective, which may have long-lasting effects on legal decisions in the future.
8. Invested heavily in military
Trump also prioritized military investment during his presidency. He has sought to increase defense spending and modernize the armed forces.
One notable initiative is establishing the Space Force, a new military branch focused on space operations.
Cons Of Trump
While Donald Trump’s presidency had its share of positive aspects, it faced criticism and controversy. Some of the things people didn’t like about Trump include:
1. Withdrew USA from the Paris Climate Change Agreement
Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the USA from the Paris Climate Change Agreement is regarded as one of his major cons.
This international accord, signed in 2016 under the Obama administration, aimed to combat global climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global temperature increases.
Trump officially announced the U.S. withdrawal in June 2017, citing concerns about its impact on the American economy.
2. Started US-China trade war
This trade war began in 2018 when the U.S. imposed tariffs on billions of dollars worth of Chinese goods to address what Trump saw as unfair trade practices by China.
Consequently, American farmers suffered from retaliatory tariffs imposed by China, leading to a decline in agricultural exports.
The trade war has also strained diplomatic relations between the two countries and has had ripple effects throughout the global economy.
3. He’s known for his controversial statements.
Trump is well-known for his controversial statements, which have often caused outrage and backlash.
His use of social media, particularly Twitter, has been a platform for him to express his opinions and engage in public feuds with individuals and organizations.
Some of his controversial statements include derogatory remarks about women, immigrants, and political opponents.
4. Trump was against the liberal immigration policy.
Trump has consistently advocated for stricter immigration policies and has taken steps to fulfill his campaign promise of building a wall along the US-Mexico border.
His policies have included travel bans on citizens from certain Muslim-majority countries, ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, and implementing a “zero tolerance” policy that led to separating families at the border.
5. Racism and white supremacy increased during his tenure
While racism and white supremacy have been long-standing issues in the country, Trump’s rhetoric and actions seemed to encourage and amplify these sentiments.
For instance, he was slow to condemn the white supremacists involved in the Charlottesville rally in 2017, where a counter-protester was killed.
Trump’s response, suggesting that there were “very fine people on both sides,” was widely criticized for equating white supremacists with those protesting against them.
This incident and several others contributed to a divisive atmosphere and heightened racial tensions during his presidency.
6. Poorly handled covid-19
Many experts and critics argue that his administration’s response to the pandemic was poorly executed, leading to unnecessary loss of lives and economic turmoil.
Despite early warnings about the severity of the virus, Trump downplayed its impact and often contradicted public health officials.
His inconsistent messaging on mask-wearing and social distancing undermined efforts to control the spread of the virus.
Additionally, there were concerns about the politicization of scientific guidance and the lack of a coordinated federal response.
7. Impeached twice
Donald Trump made history as the only U.S. president to be impeached twice. The first impeachment came in December 2019, when he was charged with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress about his dealings with Ukraine.
The second impeachment followed in January 2021, accusing him of incitement of insurrection after the deadly Capitol riot.
8. Conflict of interest with his business
One of the major concerns raised during Trump’s presidency was his potential conflict of interest between his businesses and the government.
Trump did not fully divest from his business empire before taking office, instead opting to put his assets into a trust managed by his sons.
This raised concerns about potential conflicts between his financial interests and the decisions he made as president.
Critics argued that this arrangement allowed for opportunities for foreign influence or favoritism towards his businesses.
The lack of transparency regarding his financial records further fueled speculation about potential conflicts of interest.
Conclusion
There are both pros and cons to the presidency of Donald Trump. On the positive side, his administration implemented tax cuts that spurred economic growth and created jobs.
Additionally, he prioritized deregulation, which led to increased business activity and investment. Trump also made significant strides in criminal justice reform and secured historic peace agreements in the Middle East.
However, his controversial rhetoric and divisive policies have often overshadowed these accomplishments. Critics argue that his immigration policies were harsh and discriminatory, while his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic was criticized for being inadequate.